Nearby Geocaches

Leave No Trace Principle

Avoid the introduction or transport of non-native species. Use local firewood from within 50 miles and clean, drain, and dry water equipment when moving between water bodies.

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Trailhead

Trails are located within Fort Dummer State Park. Parking is available within the park. From Exit 1, on I-91 (Brattleboro, Vermont) go 0.1 miles north on US-5. Turn right (east) onto Fairground Road and go 0.5 miles to South Main Street; turn right (south) on South Main Street and then go 1.0 mile on Main Street and Old Guilford Road to state park entrance.

Description

Three short hiking trails are located within this park.

Sunrise Trail: This nearly one-mile loop trail traverses level and gently sloping ground on the eastern side of the park in the town of Vernon. The Fort vista is about midway on the trail. The trail is wooded the entire way.

Sunset Trail: The Sunset trail is a half-mile loop trail on the western side of the park, starting near the entrance and looping through the play field. The trail has a western vista of the village of Algiers in the town of Guilford. The trail passes through gently sloping ground and travels for a portion of its length on an old town road that was cut off when the interstate was constructed. The remains of the Boyden Farm, dating from the 1880s, can be seen along this trail. These include stone walls, a small shed, and farmhouse.

Broad Brook Trail: This half-mile trail descends from the campground to a popular swimming hole on Broad Brook. The trail is steep in sections, and therefore is a much more strenuous hike than the other trails. Travel time is 10 minutes to the brook, 20 minutes back.

Other Information

Fort Dummer State Park is named for Fort Dummer, the first permanent European settlement in Vermont. Built on the frontier in 1724, and named after William Dummer, then lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, it was the gateway to the early settlements along the banks of the Connecticut River. Established in 1962, Fort Dummer State Park overlooks the former site of Fort Dummer which was flooded when the Vernon Dam was built on the Connecticut River in 1908. The park contains 50 campsites for tents or RVs and 10 lean-to shelters.